The French Social Security system ensures that international students have access to public health insurance coverage at no cost. Managed by CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie), this system reimburses up to 70% of medical expenses, including:
To cover the remaining 30%, students can opt for private complementary health insurance, known as mutuelle.
A unique Social Security Number (SSN) is required to access these benefits. This number is also essential for dealing with other government agencies like CAF (housing benefits) and Pôle Emploi (employment services).
You should apply immediately after enrolling at your university and opening a French bank account, preferably right after arriving in France.
International students can apply through the dedicated online portal: etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr
To start your application, you need to provide:
Documents Required
Once your documents are submitted, you receive a temporary Social Security Number (NIA). This number begins with 1 (for males) or 2 (for females) and grants access to the same healthcare benefits as a permanent number.
However, you cannot log in to Ameli or apply for a Carte Vitale with a temporary SSN.
Timeline for NIA Issuance:
Once your identity is verified, your temporary SSN (NIA) automatically converts into a permanent SSN (NIR). This process can take 3-9 months, depending on the completeness of your application.
Until you receive your Carte Vitale, medical reimbursements require manual submission of the feuille de soins (treatment form) to CPAM.
To get automatic reimbursements, apply for a Carte Vitale through your Ameli account under the “Mes démarches” section.
Remember to update your Carte Vitale at a pharmacy at least once a year to keep it active.
Since Social Security only covers 70% of medical costs, you can subscribe to a mutuelle for additional coverage. Many student-friendly options are available for €10-€20 per month, including:
Contact Information and Help
The following article has all the useful information - How to Contact French Health Insurance Organisations (CPAM) – A Guide for International Students
If you face issues or delays in receiving your Social Security Number or Carte Vitale, you can contact your local CPAM office or reach out to Eduxskills for guidance!
Navigating the French social security system can be challenging for international students and expats. This FAQ guide provides clear answers on obtaining a social security number, applying for a Carte Vitale, checking your SSN, and accessing healthcare benefits in France. It also explains the differences between temporary and permanent SSNs, how to download your attestation de droits, and the importance of updating your Carte Vitale annually. For students, the process is simplified through the official online portal: etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr. Stay informed and ensure you receive the healthcare benefits you’re entitled to!
To obtain a French social security number, you need to submit the required application form (Cerfa N° 15763*01) along with supporting documents to your local CPAM office. For international students, the application process differs, and you can apply online via the official student portal: https://etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr/. For a detailed step-by-step guide, refer to our Social Security for International Students in France article.
Your French social security number (SSN) is printed on your Carte Vitale. If you haven't received your Carte Vitale yet, you can find your SSN on the “attestation de droits” (certificate of entitlement), which you can download from the Ameli website under the "Documents" section.
The processing time varies, but typically: Temporary SSN: Issued within 2-3 months Permanent SSN: Issued within another 2-3 months Overall, it may take up to 6 months (or longer in some cases). However, once you receive the temporary SSN, you can start accessing healthcare benefits.
The French Social Security Number (SSN) is a 15-digit unique identification code: The first 13 digits encode personal details (gender, birth year, month, place of birth, etc.). The last 2 digits are a verification key.
Yes, all legal residents in France, including international students, can apply for a Carte Vitale after obtaining a permanent SSN. The process for applying is explained in detail on our website.
Once you receive your Carte Vitale, you must activate it: Visit a local pharmacy. Request an update of the card on their system. This update is required at least once a year to ensure that your automatic reimbursements remain active.
No, the Carte Vitale does not have an expiration date. However, it must be updated annually at a pharmacy to remain active.
You can download your attestation de droits (social security certificate) from your Ameli account under the "Documents" section.
No, you must wait until you receive a permanent social security number to create an Ameli account. To access Ameli for the first time, you will need a temporary access code, which can be obtained by calling CPAM’s helpline. Check our guide on How to Contact CPAM for more details.
A temporary SSN grants access to healthcare services in France, but with two main limitations: You cannot create an Ameli account. You cannot apply for a Carte Vitale. Once you receive the permanent SSN, you can complete these additional steps and enjoy full healthcare benefits.
